Be Part Of The Refill Revolution

Keys? Shopping bags? Reusable cup? There’s something new on our list of essentials not to leave the house without – and for good reason. Each year, we all use an estimated 13 billion plastic bottles in the UK. If that figure wasn’t mind-boggling enough, it’s thought that almost half of these bottles aren’t recycled. Gulp.

Carrying your own reusable mug or bottle makes so much sense: it cuts plastic waste, it reminds you to drink up, and it saves you money. That’s three brilliant reasons right there.

This year, National Refill Day is on June 19. Here are a few things you can do to join the refill revolution.

Taking a reusable bottle but don’t want to get caught short for drinking water? There’s an app for that. Refill have created an easy-to-use interactive map that shows all the free water points nearby wherever you are. You won’t go thirsty for long.

An obvious perk of a reusable cup is that you can fill it with whatever drink you want to start your day with before you leave home – whether that’s a calming tea, double espresso or power juice.

Be the envy of all commuters and whip up a cool iced coffee. This Dehli-style cold coffee recipe from The Spruce Eats takes minutes to make so it’s dead easy to throw together before you rush out the door.

Taking plain old water? Try flavouring it for a change. These flavoured water suggestions – including a thirst-quenching Watermelon Mint recipe – are a great place to start.

Of course, if you don’t have time to make a drink just head to the nearest coffee shop. Bringing your own cup instead of grabbing a takeaway is standard practice these days and one you’ll probably get a discount for. We’ll drink to that!

There’s a pretty big selection of reusables out there. Think about what size you need and what shape’s best for your coffee machine/bag/car’s cup holder. Durability is important, as is how easy it is to clean. What it’s made of, how long it keeps your favourite brew piping hot and does it come leopard print might also be on your list. Maybe not that last one.

While we’re on the subject, check out our own stylish and super practical Travel Mugs. They’re 100% leakproof, dishwasher safe and guaranteed for five years. They come in two sizes, both with a comfy 360-degree drinking edge. Best of all, they keep drinks hot for up to 4 hours and cold for up to a whopping 8 hours. That’s a refreshing thought for those long, hot summer commutes.